Thom McDonald
	Position: Director of Basketball Operations

An integral part of head coach Leonard Hamilton’s staff is Thom McDonald, who is in his first year as the director of basketball operations at Florida State. As the director of basketball operations, McDonald will be involved in all phases of the day-to-day operations of the men’s basketball office. He will handle office and team budgetary matters, team travel, academic development, dining and housing contracts and will serve as the director of the annual Leonard Hamilton basketball camps for boys.

McDonald’s vast knowledge of the game of basketball and his ability to organize and implement programs that will enhance the Seminole program make him a perfect fit for Hamilton’s staff.

McDonald comes to Florida State after two years as the commissioner of the Iowa Community Colleges Athletic Association and one year as the director of basketball operations at Championship Productions, a Des Moines, Iowa based company. He was also part owner of FutureStars basketball camps and clinics.

As the commissioner of the ICCAA, McDonald was in charge of all compliance, eligibility, championship tournaments, marketing and promotions for the association. In addition, he was responsible for assigning officials, website development, budgetary concerns, and updating of the constitution and bi-laws. Other duties included overseeing the day-to-day operations of all 16-member schools and nine sports played by the conference teams. McDonald was also the director for the Pepsi-Cola Sigler Printing Bowl Game.

McDonald was the basketball director for the Iowa Games in 1997 through 2002 as he coordinated tournaments around the state for various age groups throughout the year. He was responsible for year-round basketball leagues and coordinating regional events with approximately 270 teams participating in the championship tournament. He Started and organized the NetFest basketball tournament in which 3rd-8th grade boys and girls participated in youth basketball tournaments. He also organized the winter games for school-aged children and was actively involved in public speaking and fund-raising for the Iowa Games.

He was an assistant coach at Drake University from 1994-97. In addition, he also taught and coached at West Lyon and Perry High Schools from 1998-91 and 1991-94, respectively.

McDonald earned his bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Iowa State in 1988. He attended Central College in Pella, Ia., from 1983-87 before transferring to Iowa State. He was a four-year letterwinner as a member of the Central College football team and led the Flying Dutchman to the NCAA Division III Tournament three times. In 1984, Central finished as the national runners-up and advanced to the semifinals in 1985 and 1986. He earned All-Iowa Conference second team honors and established Division III national records for most touchdown receptions in a play-off game and the longest reception in a playoff game.

McDonald is married to the former Michelle Jean Finch. The couple has three children: Hayley, 11, Grant, 9, and Meredith, 3.

Printer-friendly format	Email this article

Basketball Training Center

2011-12 Season

General Information

Hamilton Adds To 2012 Basketball Recruiting Class

Seminoles Vs. Minnesota In ACC/Big Ten Challenge

'Pack the Tuck' in 2012-13

Seminoles Recognized By Board Of Commissioners

7-3 Bojanovsky Signs To Play Basketball At Florida State

Hamilton Honored By Hometown

Senior Class Honored At Men's Basketball Banquet